thoughts on leveling up to a 2018 E43...?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 50
Likes: 19
From: Cedar Mill, OR
C450 AMG
thoughts on leveling up to a 2018 E43...?
Greetings. I'm considering making the jump to an 2018 E43 from my current 2016 C450. I'm after a little more space, and a little more punch. My current ride has been effectively problem free - just servicing on or before interval. Now at 128K miles. Looking replacing with a second hand 2018 E43. I have at least two options local to me in the PNW that are under 51K miles with decent service histories. My daily M-F commute is 94 miles. I want to grab an un-modded car and keep it stock for reliability. My questions would be: .1> Is the E43 close to the reliabilty of the sister C43? .2> Is the RMS an issue for the V6?
I have not seen our C450/C43 forum peppered with RMS issues like this forum. However, I have just started to do my research. I just want to get a feel for what E43 ownership would look like if I make the jump.
Otherwise, I have recently test drove a 2020 M340i with the B58 & ZF 8 speed. I was quite impressed with the platform. My frugal side says that I should hold out for a X-drive M340i.
My old man side says I should just give up and buy a Lexus GS 350 and give up completely...
I have not seen our C450/C43 forum peppered with RMS issues like this forum. However, I have just started to do my research. I just want to get a feel for what E43 ownership would look like if I make the jump.
Otherwise, I have recently test drove a 2020 M340i with the B58 & ZF 8 speed. I was quite impressed with the platform. My frugal side says that I should hold out for a X-drive M340i.
My old man side says I should just give up and buy a Lexus GS 350 and give up completely...
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 765
Likes: 288
From: Los Angeles
2024 GLE63s, 2021 E63s, 2018 GLC43
Not sure if it'll be a big upgrade. It'll be bigger and heavier. Maybe feel more solid and better build quality. The electronics and COMAND look to be of the same generation, kinda old. Quick google shows both have the same 3L TT V6, the E43 with probably just a tune for a little more HP to offset the weight. It's a smooth and reliable engine.
RMS leak applies to the 4L V8.
RMS leak applies to the 4L V8.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 50
Likes: 19
From: Cedar Mill, OR
C450 AMG
Thanks for the reply and quantifying the RMS issue. I believe the C43/C450 share the same 3.0L V6 with the E43, but the E43 gets bigger turbos - equating in stock trim to 40-ish more HP & TQ (to help offset the extra weight).
Do the E43's have an appetite for eating their half shafts? And is that just part of the E43 ownership experience to be expected?
Any other long term concerns for E43s?
Do the E43's have an appetite for eating their half shafts? And is that just part of the E43 ownership experience to be expected?
Any other long term concerns for E43s?
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,217
Likes: 6,275
Greetings. I'm considering making the jump to an 2018 E43 from my current 2016 C450. I'm after a little more space, and a little more punch. My current ride has been effectively problem free - just servicing on or before interval. Now at 128K miles. Looking replacing with a second hand 2018 E43. I have at least two options local to me in the PNW that are under 51K miles with decent service histories. My daily M-F commute is 94 miles. I want to grab an un-modded car and keep it stock for reliability. My questions would be: .1> Is the E43 close to the reliabilty of the sister C43? .2> Is the RMS an issue for the V6?
I have not seen our C450/C43 forum peppered with RMS issues like this forum. However, I have just started to do my research. I just want to get a feel for what E43 ownership would look like if I make the jump.
Otherwise, I have recently test drove a 2020 M340i with the B58 & ZF 8 speed. I was quite impressed with the platform. My frugal side says that I should hold out for a X-drive M340i.
My old man side says I should just give up and buy a Lexus GS 350 and give up completely...
I have not seen our C450/C43 forum peppered with RMS issues like this forum. However, I have just started to do my research. I just want to get a feel for what E43 ownership would look like if I make the jump.
Otherwise, I have recently test drove a 2020 M340i with the B58 & ZF 8 speed. I was quite impressed with the platform. My frugal side says that I should hold out for a X-drive M340i.
My old man side says I should just give up and buy a Lexus GS 350 and give up completely...
Not sure if it'll be a big upgrade. It'll be bigger and heavier. Maybe feel more solid and better build quality. The electronics and COMAND look to be of the same generation, kinda old. Quick google shows both have the same 3L TT V6, the E43 with probably just a tune for a little more HP to offset the weight. It's a smooth and reliable engine.
RMS leak applies to the 4L V8.
RMS leak applies to the 4L V8.
Thanks for the reply and quantifying the RMS issue. I believe the C43/C450 share the same 3.0L V6 with the E43, but the E43 gets bigger turbos - equating in stock trim to 40-ish more HP & TQ (to help offset the extra weight).
Do the E43's have an appetite for eating their half shafts? And is that just part of the E43 ownership experience to be expected?
Any other long term concerns for E43s?
Do the E43's have an appetite for eating their half shafts? And is that just part of the E43 ownership experience to be expected?
Any other long term concerns for E43s?
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 303
Likes: 183
2023 E63S AMG - Grey Magno
Greetings. I'm considering making the jump to an 2018 E43 from my current 2016 C450. I'm after a little more space, and a little more punch. My current ride has been effectively problem free - just servicing on or before interval. Now at 128K miles. Looking replacing with a second hand 2018 E43. I have at least two options local to me in the PNW that are under 51K miles with decent service histories. My daily M-F commute is 94 miles. I want to grab an un-modded car and keep it stock for reliability. My questions would be: .1> Is the E43 close to the reliabilty of the sister C43? .2> Is the RMS an issue for the V6?
I have not seen our C450/C43 forum peppered with RMS issues like this forum. However, I have just started to do my research. I just want to get a feel for what E43 ownership would look like if I make the jump.
Otherwise, I have recently test drove a 2020 M340i with the B58 & ZF 8 speed. I was quite impressed with the platform. My frugal side says that I should hold out for a X-drive M340i.
My old man side says I should just give up and buy a Lexus GS 350 and give up completely...
I have not seen our C450/C43 forum peppered with RMS issues like this forum. However, I have just started to do my research. I just want to get a feel for what E43 ownership would look like if I make the jump.
Otherwise, I have recently test drove a 2020 M340i with the B58 & ZF 8 speed. I was quite impressed with the platform. My frugal side says that I should hold out for a X-drive M340i.
My old man side says I should just give up and buy a Lexus GS 350 and give up completely...
Get the lexus
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 50
Likes: 19
From: Cedar Mill, OR
C450 AMG
Thanks to all forum members contributing; especially Zukmeister. I have gone on a couple (short 10-15 min) test drives already. Next step is to find one on Turo and rent for a couple days to see what daily life on the commute would be like in an E43.
The M340i seems to be good compromise between an E43/E53 and grandpa's Lexus GS350/GSF options available.
The M340i seems to be good compromise between an E43/E53 and grandpa's Lexus GS350/GSF options available.
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